Rose Elizabeth
There is a Portuguese legend about Elizabeth of Aragon who was married to King Denis. From the beginning she showed a great compassion for the poor. Against the wishes of her husband, she would carry bread hidden beneath her cloak to feed the hungry villagers. One day the king caught her leaving and asked what she was carrying. “Roses, my Lord”, she replied. However, since it was winter, he didn’t believe her and demanded that she show him. She obediently opened her cloak to indeed reveal roses, not bread.
Yellow roses symbolize the joy and friendship that she shared with those less fortunate than herself. Elizabeth’s strength of heart reminds us that giving cultivates gratitude. It strengthens our bond to one another which in turn inspires more generosity.
(The original painting is from the private collection of Art Epp of Charlottesville, Virginia)
Reproductions are available in our gift shop.
Yellow roses symbolize the joy and friendship that she shared with those less fortunate than herself. Elizabeth’s strength of heart reminds us that giving cultivates gratitude. It strengthens our bond to one another which in turn inspires more generosity.
(The original painting is from the private collection of Art Epp of Charlottesville, Virginia)
Reproductions are available in our gift shop.